A Shot Across the Bow

Battle of the HMS Wingnut and the USS Faggotry

Let's put things into perspective.

Recently, Queer Austin went through a bit of a spat. You heard about it here - hopefully - and other places: QueerBomb vs. traditional Pride.

A similar trend emerged at the National Equality March: Grass roots organizations vs. the Human Rights Campaign.

But let's not forget who the real enemy is.

I'm not going to argue that the infighting was unnecessary. And maybe we need two approaches: one that argues, "Hey America, we're just like you," and another that says, "Hey America, we're fucking dirty. Just like you."

There is a necessity for common ground, however. And fast. If the recently released GOP party platform provides a keen eye into the beliefs of the people it represents, then we need to take a step back from our internal struggles and look at the larger picture.

Here are a few choice quotations, reported from GLTNewsNow.com:

“We oppose the legalization of sodomy. We demand that Congress exercise its authority granted by the U.S. constitution to withhold jurisdiction from the federal courts from cases involving sodomy."

Aside from the fact that fail to define what part of the Constitution allows Congress that specific authority, the Texas Republican position is clear: they want to make consensual homosexual sex a crime.

“We support legislation that would make it a felony to issue a marriage license to a same-sex couple and for any civil official to perform a marriage ceremony for such."

A felony? A felony.

“We believe that the practice of homosexuality tears at the fabric of society, contributes to the breakdown of the family unit, and leads to the spread of dangerous, communicable diseases."

For our society to flourish, it appears that the Texas GOP believes homosexuals need to be removed. And yes, I imagine that means "cured" to them, but we are - apparently - a blight.

I'm not trying not to be histrionic. This is just their statement of purpose, and not all Republicans believe its message. In February, I blogged about a poll of Texas GOP members that said over half of those surveyed supported gay civil unions and/or marriage. Obvious inconsistencies.

These messages, along with the charming ones on immigration reform, imply a shift to the Far Right for the Texas Republican Party. I do think there will be political backlashes coming toward them, mainly from the burgeoning Hispanic population.

I am still distressed. The public position of the governing party in my home state believes I am sick, corrupting and criminal. Do I think they'll be able to get any of those positions passed? Of course not.

That doesn't take away the sting. I hope the rest of the gay community feels it, too.

On our end, there are questions that need to be answered, decisions that need to be made and movements that should be combined. They've made their position perfectly clear. Don't you think it's time we did, as well?